In This Month’s Newsletter

The Benefits of Learning a Reed Instrument
Fun and Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Forum
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month: Ilya Akradi
Spotlight on the Recorder and Clarinet
Did You Know? March is Reeds Month!
Inspirations
Music Playdates in the Parks
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program

The Benefits of Learning a Reed Instrument

When a student learns a reed instrument such as clarinet, saxophone, oboe, or bassoon, they are engaging in a form of study that is both intellectually demanding and deeply practical.

Learning notes, fingerings, scales, and articulation is not incidental; it requires careful reading, pattern recognition, and coordination between mind, breath, and hands.

Students develop fluency in a complex symbolic language and learn to execute it with accuracy and consistency. This kind of disciplined, detail-oriented learning strengthens memory, sequencing skills, and concentration, all of which directly support academic performance across subjects.

Reed players also take on a level of craftsmanship that is unique among young musicians. Single- and double-reed students must learn how their reeds are made and how to make them work.

This includes selecting cane, shaping and profiling, clipping the tip, adjusting the heart and rails, sanding and scraping with precision tools, and, for double-reed players, tying and forming reeds on a mandrel.

Students learn how humidity, temperature, and minute adjustments affect response, pitch, and tone. This hands-on work builds mechanical understanding, patience, and problem-solving skills.

It teaches students to diagnose issues, test solutions, and refine results, which mirrors the scientific method and supports success in laboratory sciences, engineering, and technical fields.

In ensemble settings, reed players learn responsibility at a high level. Their instruments often carry essential melodic, harmonic, or coloristic roles, and preparation matters.

Students learn how to manage their time, maintain equipment, and contribute reliably to a group effort. These habits are strongly valued by selective universities, which look for applicants who demonstrate sustained commitment, resilience, and the ability to balance demanding pursuits.

The depth of study required by reed instruments signals intellectual maturity and perseverance.

Over time, reed study shapes students who are comfortable with challenge and capable of independent thinking. They learn that excellence comes from steady effort, informed adjustment, and personal accountability. Whether students pursue music professionally or move into other fields, the skills developed through serious reed study support success in higher education, meaningful careers, and a well-balanced life grounded in discipline, curiosity, and confidence.

FUN and IMPORTANT DATES

**St. Patrick’s Day**
Tuesday, March 17
Lessons are OFF (Closed)

**Nowruz (Persian New Year)**
Friday, March 20
Lessons are OFF (Closed)

**Palm Sunday**
Sunday, March 29
Lessons are ON (Open)

Upcoming Recitals and Concerts

Recitals

Forum

**Please welcome**
**our NEW Students who enrolled**
**in January**

Moriah A.
Layla A.
Ayla A.
Soren A.
Everett C.
Dez F.
Alfredo D.
Thea H.
Madelyn M.
Dennis N.
Gracie P.
Logan R.
Reese S.
Anna S.
Sofia O.
Arabella S.
Terry T.

Student of the Month

Ilya Akradi

Ilya came to piano in early 2025 with strong musicianship from playing guitar and a serious commitment to finally becoming fluent in reading music. He approaches challenges with patience, discipline, and a willingness to strengthen the fundamentals, which has led to substantial growth in his playing over a short period of time.

It has been rewarding to watch his confidence build as he connects more deeply with the instrument and takes pride in his progress. Ilya's teacher, Mr. Denny, says "I experience both pride and joy as I witness his personality shine more and more."

Ilya's favorite thing about playing the piano, like all music, is the indescribable joy it brings and the fact that it serves as an outlet for expression. I firmly believe that I was born to play music, and I consider it a strong sanctuary that allows me to enter a world that only I am a part of. Music and playing piano are things that I hold near and dear to my heart."

Aside from piano, Ilya is also a seasoned guitar player. He grew up a fan of rock music and learned to play guitar at a young age through a combination of formal lessons and self-teaching. "I thoroughly enjoy playing guitar, whether it’s for my own enjoyment at home, a performance of some kind, or recording guitar parts for friends to help with their music."

Ilya studied electrical engineering and knows the value of critical thinking and the ability to solve problems. "I give credit where credit is due and acknowledge all the people who have taught me the things that have shaped the person I am, musical and otherwise. From family and friends to other skilled musicians who have served not only as friends but mentors as well. I would like to especially thank my piano teacher Mr. Denny, as his invaluable advice and hands-on teaching have contributed significantly to me becoming the piano player I am today. I do believe that I still have a long way to go and look forward to learning more new things from him and other musician friends.”

Spotlight on the Recorder and Clarinet

The recorder is an excellent starter instrument for future clarinetists because it teaches the same foundational skills in a clear, accessible way.

Recorder study develops proper left-hand-on-top fingering habits, accurate finger placement, and early fluency in reading treble clef, all of which transfer directly to clarinet.

Just as important, students learn breath control, phrasing, and the idea that tone is shaped by steady, supported air rather than force.

Recorder also introduces articulation, legato playing, and expressive shaping without the added complexity of reeds and embouchure, allowing young students to focus on musical thinking and coordination first.

When students transition to clarinet, they already understand how air, fingers, and musical intention work together, making the shift smoother, faster, and far more confident.

Did You Know? March is Reeds Month!

Enroll in private individual reeds lessons (clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon) by the end of March 2026, mention St. Patrick's Day, and receive $17 off your monthly membership tuition for life, plus receive a fun-loving gift bag of musical goodies and school supplies.

This special applies to new students for reeds individual private lessons only. (Reeds = clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon. Does not apply to small group lessons, which already receive a substantial reduced rate. New students only.)

Either way, please enjoy our monthly newsletter, and have a wonderful month of March!

Inspirations

“Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9

“In March winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too.”

— Jean Hersey

Music Playdates in the Parks

Weekly on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings
from 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Meet friends, dance a little, sing along, play with some musical instruments, and other fun toys!
Find us near the playground.
See park schedule on our website.

Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?

March 2026

To encourage everyone to read the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Newsletter, each month we’ll feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn or you might miss out!

This month’s winner is Meesha Zohouri